The federal government has unveiled a new manufacturing framework as Pakistan mobile manufacturing policy 2026-33 proposes banning used mobile phone imports to strengthen local industry and encourage export oriented growth nationwide.
The policy was prepared by the Engineering Development Board in collaboration with local manufacturers, aiming to attract global brands and replicate industrial models followed by India and Vietnam.
It was presented during a high level meeting chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Haroon Akhtar Khan, focusing on aligning stakeholders regarding implementation timelines and core objectives.
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Officials were briefed on comparative benefits of local assembly versus complete imports, with emphasis on job creation, industrial expansion, and reducing reliance on foreign manufactured devices.
Haroon Akhtar Khan stated the central goal is to generate employment and build a sustainable electronics ecosystem while integrating Pakistan into global value chains gradually.
Under the framework, mandatory export targets were termed counterproductive, citing lessons from the automobile sector, while quality certification for exports was declared essential but non-coercive.
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The policy calls for establishing government run testing and certification laboratories to ensure exported devices meet international standards without placing undue compliance pressure on manufacturers.
To boost localization, minimum component requirements were proposed, including forty parts for smartphone SKD kits and fifteen parts for feature phone assembly kits.
Valuation rulings will be institutionalised through coordination among EDB, PMPMA, and customs authorities to curb under invoicing and enhance transparency across supply chains.
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The policy recommends placing both imported and locally manufactured phones under the sales tax Third Schedule and linking export performance with tax increment financing incentives.
Haroon Akhtar Khan said phased localization under Pakistan mobile manufacturing policy 2026-33 will encourage foreign investment in high technology components like motherboards and display units.
Manufacturers informed officials that brands including Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and Nokia are potential investors, while strict penalties will apply for non-compliance with localization rules.
